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By Mat Barrett
A Gronlid man pleaded guilty in Melfort Provincial Court to charges stemming from a lengthy wildlife trafficking investigation.
Randall Wehrkamp, 64, pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of wildlife, possession of wildlife for the purpose of trafficking, trafficking in wildlife, improper record-keeping, and firearm-related charges.
Sixty-four-year-old Randall Wehrkamp pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of wildlife, possession of wildlife for the purpose of trafficking, trafficking in wildlife, improper record keeping, as well as firearm-related charges. (Ministry of Environment)
Conservation officers began investigating Wehrkamp in 2014 after receiving information about a person buying and selling large numbers of wild elk, moose, and deer antlers without proper permits. Officers inspected a yard site near Gronlid, and discussed the sale of wild antlers with the homeowner.
As part of the investigation, Wehrkamp purchased antlers from undercover officers on numerous occasions.
In November 2018, officers executed a search warrant and found 314 antlers, as well as 19 complete sets of antlers and horns from wild elk, moose, deer, and five African species. Officers also seized several firearms.
Wehrkamp’s sentence included $36,500 in fines, a five-year hunting suspension, and 12 months of probation. He is not permitted to sell, transfer, or move antlers without notifying a conservation officer for five years. Meanwhile, as part of Wehrkamp’s probation, he must give a $200 charitable donation to Ducks Unlimited Canada.
According to the Ministry of Environment, a sale of wildlife permit is required when selling most animal parts. Big game antlers that have been separated from the skull can be sold without a permit, but only if the animal was taken with a valid hunting licence and tags.